It was close, but Lee was unquestionably the better player this year. The only way Pujols actually deserves it this year is if you get creative when you define value. Here's something some of you may not quite grasp: According to equivalent average, OPS, VORP, and probably many other metrics, Lee was the best offensive player in baseball. Not just better than Pujols, but the best in the game. It's amazing that any rational person can conclude that Pujols was somehow more valuable as a ballplayer.